Shark Attacks in Puerto Rico: 2026 Report

If you’re looking for a surf trip destination with low chances of shark encounters, Puerto Rico is one of your best options. While over 40 species of sharks are found in the island’s surrounding waters, attacks are very uncommon, and most species near the shore are smaller and usually harmless. 

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Puerto Rico? 

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 11 shark attacks have been reported in Puerto Rico since the year 1749. By comparison, Florida alone can average a dozen shark bites per year. In 2025, only one shark attack was reported in Puerto Rico. On July 31, 2025, 39 year old Eleonora Boi was bit by a shark off the coast of Carolina, just east of San Juan. 

Boi, a sports journalist and wife of former New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari, was wading in crowded waters when she was bitten on the leg by a shark. Boi was pregnant at the time. 

“It was the worst day of my life,” Boi wrote in an Instagram post. “I never thought I could get attacked by a shark, and I was near the shore and on a super crowded beach.” 

Boi was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery for her injuries. She made a full recovery, and her baby was unharmed. 

According to El Nuevo Dia, Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) later confirmed Boi’s report of the attack, saying her injuries were likely from a shark, but they did not identify the species of shark associated with the bite. No warnings or beach closures were put into place following the incident, but local authorities and lifeguards were on high alert. 

Why are shark attacks unlikely in Puerto Rico? 

According to information on sharks and shark behavior from NOAA and the Smithsonian Ocean Portal, Puerto Rico’s oceanographic and environmental conditions help explain the low number of shark attacks in the area. 

Puerto Rico manages over 30 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs and biodiverse nature reserves, preventing pollution and overfishing in many of these areas. The dense reefs that surround the coast also play a role in filtering particles and pollutants, resulting in high water clarity, which could make shark attacks less likely.

“Sharks have very good eyesight. In fact, sharks can see extremely well in dark lighted areas, have fantastic night vision, and can see colors,” according to NOAA. However, sharks cannot see as well in murky water. Researchers believe shark bites are more likely in low-visibility conditions, where sharks may have difficulty discerning humans from natural prey. Puerto Rico's generally clear waters are likely a factor in reducing the likelihood of mistaken-identity shark encounters. 

“Sharks have been known to attack humans when they are confused or curious. If a shark sees a human splashing in the water, it may try to investigate, leading to an accidental attack,” according to NOAA. 

Another factor that could contribute to low shark attack numbers is that, unlike heavily populated shark regions like California and Australia, Puerto Rico does not have huge populations of seals or sea lions, a primary food source for larger shark species usually associated with attacks, since they can mistake surfers and swimmers as seals and sea lions in the water. 

Additionally, the waters around Puerto Rico house an abundant and diverse marine ecosystem, offering sharks plenty of natural food sources like smaller fish, rays, and crustaceans, reducing the likelihood of approaching humans. 

What sharks are found in Puerto Rico 

Puerto Rico is home to roughly 40 species of sharks, with the Caribbean reef shark being the most commonly encountered. Caribbean reef sharks feed mainly on fish and small marine animals, patrolling coral reefs and drop-offs, and are typically found in depths around 30-60 feet. They are not dangerous to humans, but may become aggressive if provoked. 

Most of the sharks found close to shore in Puerto Rico are relatively small, docile species like the Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks. Nurse sharks are bottom-dwellers and hang out in reefs, posing no threat unless provoked. 

Tiger sharks and bull sharks, two of most frequent species involved in attacks, are also among those found in Puerto Rico, but they rarely come into contact with humans in the region. 

What risk management protocols are in place for shark attacks in Puerto Rico? 

Shark attack risk management in Puerto Rico primarily relies on personal preventative measures. Dedicated structural defenses like shark nets or drumlines are not implemented in the area, as they are not necessary, and would likely harm other marine life and non-threatening sharks.

Although shark attacks are a rarity, there are precautions individuals can take to lower their risk of shark encounters, according to experts. 

● Avoid swimming in murky waters. 

● Avoid wearing bright colors, shiny jewelry, or high contrasting colors in the ocean. ● Swim in groups, and avoid swimming at dawn and dusk. 

● Avoid swimming in commercial fishing areas. 

Sharks in Puerto Rico: The Bottom Line 

While shark attacks are extremely unlikely, remember that the ocean is home to sharks, and that they are vital to our marine ecosystems. Don’t bother sharks, and most of the time, they won’t bother you!